Fallen

Chapters 12

My feet carried me to along the path and out toward the park. I emerged from the woods at a fast pace. I heard the footsteps behind me and assumed Nicola would drive me home as soon as she caught up. I saw the parking lot coming into view as I was gently pulled at the arm. I started to turn around to face her.

"Nicola, can we just go-" I stopped midsentence when I saw who had tugged at my arm.

"Not quite." Martin lowered his head so he could look me straight in the eyes. I gazed upon his flawless face. His brown curls were damp with sweat and stuck to his forhead. I could see the beads on his upper lip forming. I dropped my gaze from him and began to turn back around.

"Hannah," He attempted to reach for me again but I pulled my arm from his grasp.

"Don't touch me," I snapped.

"Look, I'm sorry I didn't tell you." He began.

"You didn't just not tell me. You lied to me. You said that you stopped years ago! You lied to my face!" He flinched at the volume of my voice. I didn't care. I had finally started to let him into my heart and he betrayed the little trust I had for him.

"You have to understand-"

"Understand what, Martin? What could there possibly be to understand?!"

"I- I just need to do it! I need to race!" His voice raised as he stepped closer to me.

"Why?"

"I can't tell you. I shouldn't have to tell you!"

"That's a great way to build trust! How would you feel if I hid something from you?"

"That doesn't matter. This isn't about you!" I was happy we were still somewhat sheltered by the trees. Our screaming match would certainly draw gawkers.

"No! This is about you hiding things from me! I get that you have a past Martin, I do. But I need you to be honest about the present. How am I supposed to be confident of our future?"

"Our future? Excuse me? There is no future. I don't think you get that we're not together, Clark!"

"Wow." Was all I could say before I turned and walked toward the road so I could find my way home.

"Dang it. Hannah, wait," I heard him say behind me in a slightly softer voice. I picked up my speed and practically ran out into the open of the park and away from him.

"Hannah! Please, wait," Martin ran after me through the park. I reached the parking lot by the time he caught a hold of my hand. I knew I couldn't run anymore, so I turned to him expecting to be yelled at, but was greeted with something else. Something softer. His lips were softly pressed to mine as he held my face. I was hesitant to kiss him back. One of his hands found its way to my hip. He grasped it in his large palm and began to move his lips. That was enough persuasion for me to kiss back. His lips were soft and tasted salty and sweet at once. His kiss was gentle, unlike any other kiss I had experienced. It felt like a family of butterflies had taken residence in my lower abdomin, but the kiss felt like fire. His touch felt like velvet. Martin pulled away slightly and left my lips feeling lonely. I flung my arms around his neck and pulled him to me once more, lacing my fingers through his curls. I kissed him with more haste, but he kept his slow gentle pace as if to savor the sensation. Every moment with this boy felt like forever. He could hurt me, but I would still find myself in his arms. I craved the comfort he provided. I felt like I knew him, when I hardly knew him at all. Maybe that was my problem. I was still learning about him. I needed to have more patience. He seemed fragile and I needed to handle him with care. But I was also was fragile, and I'm not sure he knows that.

Martin soon pulled away and grasped my my face on both sides. He rested his forehead on mine and looked directly into his eyes.

"I need the money," he whispered after a short while.

"Why?"

"I can't tell you. Not yet." I dropped my gaze at his statement. He took my chin between his fingers and lifted it so I would look at him.

"Trust me, please,"he whispered and kissed my lips once more. The soft touch made me give in to his request. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me to him into a warm embrace. I held the back of his neck in my palm and breathed in his scent. He smelled of fresh laundry and sweat. He whispered something into my hair so quiety, I didn't register it. I pulled away and opened my eyes to look at him. Martin smiled down at me, and my breath caught in my throat. His careless smile was flawlessly beautiful.

"I have to get home," I spoke up.

"I'll drive you, let's go." He started to walk towards his car.

"Wait, don't you need to get back there?" He smirked at my question and brought his hand to my face.

"Baby, I've won so many times. I already know the results." His cocky grin made me giggle at his comment. He interlocked his fingers with mine and led me to his car. Martin shed his leather jacket before getting in the driver's side. I sat down in the passenger side. This was the first time Martin and I had been in a car together. I was slightly nervous about his driving skills, but more so whether or not it would be awkward. I've never been an awkward person, but I felt as though Martin and I were in this in between stage of friends and dating. I wasn't sure of his feelings for me until he kissed me. Even now, I continue to doubt that he wants more than a friendship. I cannot attach myself to someone who doesn't see a future with me. He said so himself, there is no future. Why would I put myself in that predicament? I know we kissed, but I really need time to process how I feel about Martin. There is no doubt an attraction between the two of us, but more than that? I'm not sure. I know I'm not ready to let my walls down for someone to hurt me again.

"We're here." He said as he cut the engine. I hadn't realized how fast the drive was. We didn't talk at all.

I went to unbuckle my seat belt when Martin reached out and stopped my movement. He moved his face mere inches from mine. I expected him to kiss me again. I closed my eyes and anticipated his soft lips.

"See you tomorrow," he whispered. I felt his hot breath on my face, and then he was gone. I opened my eyes to him looking forward out the windshield. I furrowed my eyebrow in confusion. I unbuckled my seat belt and opened the door. In a daring move, I leaned over and placed a kiss right below Martin's ear and exited the car. I walked to my house without looking back. I expected Martin to get out and kiss me again, but when I turned around, he was pulling out of my driveway and speeding down the road.

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I'm the author and I want my own Martin. I'm living through this book right now.

Anyways, what did you think????

VOTE and COMMENT. I want your opinions.

Love you guys! Thanks for reading!

~GracePamela1